Monday, September 17, 2007

Families

A member of my family is in pain today. Someone close to him hurt him. This person is close to our whole family and so we are all in pain as well. Brothers, sisters, in laws, children, all of us. We all hurt and go to sleep wishing it wasn't the truth and then wake up momentarily forgetting. But then it all comes rushing back and it is there in all of it's stark reality and the pain and hurt come rushing back.

But there is another side to this story. The one that did the hurting is in pain and is hurting as well. This was not a malicious, uncaring act. No, it was a response to pain and hurt and sadness that this person has had to deal with for a long time.

The thing is, I totally understand both points of view as I have been in both positions and feel the pain of both of them. Part of me wants to shake this person and say "Are you kidding me!!! What are you thinking? Snap out of it and straighten up!"

However, I know the place this person is in their life and that part of me wants to envelope them in a hug and cry with them and let them know how much I love them. I want to help and support and take care. And a tiny part of me wants to cheer them on for the action they are taking.

For this reason, I am so glad that we are a family and will pull through this and that sometimes, love is enough.